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NTSB Report
July 20, 1989 · Piper PA-22 · N3700P
Meridian, ID
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 20, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Meridian, ID
Aircraft
Piper PA-22
Tail Number
N3700P
Operator
Robert H Elton
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA89LA137
THE PLT RPRTD HE HAD BEEN HAVING SOME TROUBLE WITH A MAGNETO & WAS GOING TO FLY THE ACFT TO EMMETT, IDAHO FOR ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE. WHILE EN ROUTE AT 2000 AGL, THE ENG LOST POWER. THE PLT BEGAN AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A DIRT ROAD. HOWEVER, JUST BEFORE LANDING, THE ACFT HIT A POWER LINE & CRASHED. AN INSPN OF THE ACFT REVEALED THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED TO THE RIGHT TANK, WHICH WAS EMPTY. THE PLT STATED THAT HE WAS SO AWARE OF A POSSIBLE MAGNETO PROBLEM THAT HE DID NOT THINK TO SWITCH FUEL TANKS.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY POSITION THE FUEL SELECTOR, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION, HIS FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE EMERGENCY PROCEDURE, AND HIS INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT (FAILURE TO SEE & AVOID OBSTRUCTIONS). THE POWER LINE WAS A RELATED FACTOR.
Full Narrative
THE PLT RPRTD HE HAD BEEN HAVING SOME TROUBLE WITH A MAGNETO & WAS GOING TO FLY THE ACFT TO EMMETT, IDAHO FOR ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE. WHILE EN ROUTE AT 2000 AGL, THE ENG LOST POWER. THE PLT BEGAN AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A DIRT ROAD. HOWEVER, JUST BEFORE LANDING, THE ACFT HIT A POWER LINE & CRASHED. AN INSPN OF THE ACFT REVEALED THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED TO THE RIGHT TANK, WHICH WAS EMPTY. THE PLT STATED THAT HE WAS SO AWARE OF A POSSIBLE MAGNETO PROBLEM THAT HE DID NOT THINK TO SWITCH FUEL TANKS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:25 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-22
Tail NumberN3700P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert H Elton
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 14 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO